We’ve previously shared some of the best psyllium husk substitute options, including flaxseed, almond flour, and chia seeds. But if you don’t have any of those ingredients on hand, there are a number of other psyllium husk substitutes you might have at home. We will discuss these in more detail below.
Keep reading to learn about other easy-to-find ingredients you can use in place of psyllium husk.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is one of the easiest swaps for psyllium husk since most households probably already have it in their cupboards.
If you’re using cornstarch instead of psyllium in baking and other recipes, use twice as much cornstarch as you would psyllium husk. For example, if your dish calls for one tablespoon of psyllium, you would add two tablespoons of cornstarch in its place.
Like psyllium husk, most cornstarch is gluten-free, so it can be used if you have an intolerance to gluten. If that’s a concern for you, read the label closely before buying.
Arrowroot starch or powder
If you can’t consume corn-based products like cornstarch, consider using arrowroot as a psyllium husk substitute. As with cornstarch and psyllium, arrowroot is naturally gluten-free and has a fine, powdery consistency that is easy to use in baked goods.
Since it’s tasteless, you can also use arrowroot to thicken up sauces. When replacing psyllium husk with arrowroot, there’s no conversion necessary. Simply use the same amount of arrowroot as psyllium, as required by your recipe.
Xanthan gum
You’ve probably heard of xanthan gum being used in foods like ice cream, syrup, and sauces. Like the other substitute ideas on this list, xanthan gum is a thickening agent that makes for an acceptable psyllium husk substitute.
However, you should carefully calculate how much xanthan gum is needed to replace psyllium or other flour-like substances. For every part psyllium that your recipe calls for, use only one-third or half the amount of xanthan gum.
Xanthan gum is also used in personal care products (like toothpaste and shampoo) and industrial products (like paint and adhesives). As such, there is some controversy surrounding its use in food. Before you buy xanthan gum, do some research to find out if you’re comfortable using it in your recipes.
Tapioca starch
Finally, tapioca starch (also called tapioca flour or tapioca powder) offers another useful alternative to psyllium husk. It is made from the cassava root and does not contain gluten, so it can be used in all of your gluten-free baked goods and dishes.
Tapioca starch adds a delightfully chewy taste to your cookies. It can also be used to thicken up sauces and soups. Using tapioca starch in place of psyllium husk is simple — just swap it out in a 1:1 ratio.
While psyllium husk is gaining popularity as a gluten-free, fiber-rich addition to many recipes, it can still be difficult to find it outside of health-food stores and large grocery stores. If you need a psyllium husk substitute, one of these four options should work just as well.
For more ingredient substitutes and recipe ideas, check out the Tastessence blog.
